What is Dependence vs. Addiction?

Trying to get help for a drug problem isn’t easy. It takes courage to take the first step. But when you’re trying to find someone to assist you, it seems like no one knows how to help. Maybe you want to know what the dependence vs addiction argument is all about.

Dependence vs Addiction – Triggers

In the debate regarding dependence vs addiction, triggers play a significant role. Triggers elicit a mental response to a stimulus. For example, when you’re in a heated argument with a family member, frustration can trigger the need to escape. When a physical getaway isn’t possible, you might reach for a numbing substance such as alcohol.

Before long, any emotional stress in relationships triggers the desire to escape or use. This kind of mental and emotional dependence becomes second nature because your brain generates new neural pathways that respond to the trigger. At this juncture, your body adds a physical component. The mental response now also becomes a physical craving for a drink.

From Dependence to Addiction

Next, in the examination of dependence vs addiction, consider that the creation of dependency is not yet a full addiction. You still have the possibility of choice. You might choose to take the drink during the argument, or you might decide to storm out. However, when you repeatedly reach for the alcohol or drug, it creates an addiction.

Dependence is typically already in place before you deal with an addiction. After a while, the cravings for the drug hit even if there’s no argument, but you’re just thinking about one. Then, you begin fortifying yourself with alcohol before social interactions – just in case. Finally, you lose control of the cravings and seek out alcohol as soon as the last dose wears off.

Can You Get Off Substances When You’re Dependent?

Overcoming addiction, as well as dependence, is possible. What’s sometimes lost in the dependence vs addiction discussion is the fact that addiction therapy helps those caught in either trap. Remember that some medications create dependency even when you take them according to the directions a doctor gave you. Case in point is a prescription opioid painkiller that quickly leads to dependence and then sometimes a pain pill addiction.

You better your chances of recovery by seeking out a facility that understands the fine points of dependence vs addiction. This rehab setting offers specific programs that customize their approaches for drug-affected groups of individuals. Examples include:

Gender-specific treatment that focuses on the different reasons why women and men reach for drugs.

A first responder program that takes into account the high-stress environment, which features multiple triggers.

Executive treatment for those individuals who need help but know that making their condition public could lead to catastrophic repercussions.

Substance-specific rehab experiences let program participants focus on getting well with others in a similar situation.

Find out how Beaches Recovery offers you the right mix of drug treatment programs, therapies, and outdoor adventure. If drug or alcohol dependence or addiction is affecting you or a loved one today, we can help. Dial 866-605-0532.